Respected senior councillor Andy Smith dies

ANDY Smith, a senior and highly-respected Thurrock councillor has died.

He was 64.

Mr Smith, Labour leader of the council between 2000 and 2004, was cabinet member for Regeneration, Highways and Transportation and Labour ward councillor for West Thurrock and South Stifford.

He won re-election to the seat in May, having first been elected as a councillor in 1997.

In a statement to council colleagues, the authority's chief executive Graham Farrant said: "At this difficult time we should all reflect on our memories of Andy who has made a major contribution to the work of the council – and the borough as a whole - over more than two decades.

"He has made a particularly strong contribution to the regeneration and growth of Thurrock and I have valued his enthusiasm over this period, having first met him as Leader in 2000.

"Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family at this time."

Mr Smith, of Nutberry Avenue, Grays, also served as a councillor in Tilbury, before transferring to serve in West Thurrock.

Rob Gledhill, leader of the Conservative group in Thurrock paid tribute to Mr Smith. He said: "We are sorry to hear of the passing of Councillor Andy Smith and would pass on our condolences to his family.

"Cllr Smith had served the residents of Thurrock for over two decades and will no doubt be missed by many. His years of experience and dedication to politics and the community in Thurrock will not be soon forgotten."

One of the nicest men I've worked with. Andy will undoubtably be missed by many. Personally I have many fond memories - even working until midnight on a report he wanted and then to be locked in the car park!
There was no one about but then Andy popped up as if from no where and of course then Security let me out!
My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues. Plainly he was such a wonderful man x

One of the nicest men I've worked with. Andy will undoubtably be missed by many. Personally I have many fond memories - even working until midnight on a report he wanted and then to be locked in the car park!
There was no one about but then Andy popped up as if from no where and of course then Security let me out!
My heart goes out to his family, friends and colleagues. Plainly he was such a wonderful man xCorringham chick

Rest In Perfect Peace Andy Smith. Very good, kind and supportive person. He took time out of his busy schedule to visit my family and I when we needed help. We will always remember you. Thank you

Rest In Perfect Peace Andy Smith. Very good, kind and supportive person. He took time out of his busy schedule to visit my family and I when we needed help. We will always remember you. Thank youJo Koomson

We hope the sick basted who broke into my dad's house and stole an ipad, blackberry, laptop is pleased with themselves.

Thank you to the thurrock gazette for making everyone aware his house was empty

We hope the sick basted who broke into my dad's house and stole an ipad, blackberry, laptop is pleased with themselves.
Thank you to the thurrock gazette for making everyone aware his house was emptyAndy children

george199 wrote:
Thurrock’s Conservative party will be canvassing in Andy Smith’s ward before he is buried

@ george199

Fat lot you know George. You obviously haven't see the more recent Thurrock Gazette article on 3rd September entitled 'Opposition hit out at Labour "campaigning" in West Thurrock', with the sub-heading: 'The Conservatives and UKIP have hit out at Labour for "campaigning" in West Thurrock before the funeral of late councillor Andy Smith.'

So you are wrong George. It is Labour that is campaigning even before their own man has been put in the ground.

What a classy party Labour is... Not! They'll never get my vote again. It'll be UKIP for me thanks.

[quote][p][bold]george199[/bold] wrote:
Thurrock’s Conservative party will be canvassing in Andy Smith’s ward before he is buried[/p][/quote]@ george199
Fat lot you know George. You obviously haven't see the more recent Thurrock Gazette article on 3rd September entitled 'Opposition hit out at Labour "campaigning" in West Thurrock', with the sub-heading: 'The Conservatives and UKIP have hit out at Labour for "campaigning" in West Thurrock before the funeral of late councillor Andy Smith.'
So you are wrong George. It is Labour that is campaigning even before their own man has been put in the ground.
What a classy party Labour is... Not! They'll never get my vote again. It'll be UKIP for me thanks.tgw123